Two Arabic Versions of 'Les Miserables' Musical in Arabic

Egyptian version of Les Miserables by Fabrika music ensemble

The world famous Les Miserables musical, which has been translated from the original French soundtrack and sung into many languages, is now making its way into the Arab world via two different versions--both in Arabic--from Egypt (in Egyptian dialect) to Lebanon (Levantine dialect).

This moving performance from the Egyptian version of the famous musical Les Misérables was recently broadcast during Egyptian TV talk show host Bassem Youssef 's 'Al Bernameg' (Egypt's John Stewert). It was performed by the Egyptian ensemble Fabrika فبريكا and was especially poignant because there was a demo outside the studio in support of the fine arts including ballet which Morsi's government (before being overturned) was threatening to ban.

Watch the performance below with Arabic captions which you can follow:

A few weeks later, the popular Arab Idol show showcased their own version of Les Miserables in Arabic, this time in the Levantine/Lebanese dialect and featuring the main contestants from this show. Arab Idol is recorded in Beirut and ended this season with the victory of the Palestinian contestant Mohammed Assaf who is included in this performance: